Goethe-Zertifikat A1 – Speaking (Sprechen)
In the Speaking module – the oral exam – you speak in three parts, usually in a small group. Here are the structure, useful phrases and examples for each part.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- The oral exam has 3 parts and lasts around 15 minutes – usually in a small group.
- Part 1: introduce yourself · Part 2: ask for and give information · Part 3: make requests.
- You speak with the other participants and the examiner.
Overview
Speaking – the oral exam – is the fourth module of the Goethe-Zertifikat A1 exam. You speak in three parts, usually in a small group with other participants. The exam lasts around 15 minutes. You speak with the others and with the examiner.
It tests whether you can communicate in simple everyday situations: introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions, and make a request. It’s not about perfect grammar, but about being understood and responding to the others.
The three parts call for three simple abilities: in Part 1 you introduce yourself, in Part 2 you ask a question using a keyword and answer the others’ questions, in Part 3 you ask for something (with a picture card) and respond to requests. Fixed phrases help you speak confidently.
The tasks are simple and close to everyday life. The most common hurdle is not the grammar, but speaking freely and responding. Very doable with a few phrases.
The parts at a glance
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 – Introduce yourself | Introduction | Introducing yourself | 1 | 5 |
| Part 2 – Ask questions | Question–answer | Asking & answering questions | 1 | 5 |
| Part 3 – Make requests | Request–response | Requesting & responding | 1 | 5 |
Tips & strategy
Each part has fixed phrases: introduce yourself, ask a question, request something. Learn a small set by heart and you’ll speak more confidently.
Don’t answer with just one word. Say “Ich heiße …” or “Ich komme aus …” – full, simple sentences are enough.
The exam is a group conversation. Listen to the others and answer their questions.
In Part 2 you get a topic and a word. Use them to form a simple question, for example “Wie viel kostet das Brot?”.
In Part 3 you ask for something (“Können Sie bitte …?”) and respond to the partner’s request (“Ja, gern.”).
If a word escapes you, say it differently or ask. What matters is that you stay in the conversation.
Useful phrases
Learn a small set of phrases for the three parts:
- Introducing yourself (Part 1)
- Ich heiße … / Ich komme aus … / Ich wohne in … / Ich spreche … / Mein Hobby ist …
- Asking a question (Part 2)
- Wie viel kostet …? / Wann …? / Wo …? / Hast du …?
- Answering (Part 2)
- Das kostet … / Um … Uhr / In … / Ja, ich habe …
- Requesting (Part 3)
- Können Sie bitte …? / Kannst du mir … geben? / Ich möchte bitte …
- Responding to a request
- Ja, gern. / Natürlich. / Einen Moment, bitte.
Common topics
The topics in the oral exam come from everyday life:
- Person & family
- name, age, country, language, family
- Shopping & prices
- shop, groceries, paying
- Daily routine & time
- time, appointments, work
- Home & leisure
- flat, hobbies, weekend
1-week study plan
- Day1Learn the format
Read this guide and look at an example of the oral exam: how do the three parts run?
- Day2Part 1 – introduce yourself
Practice introducing yourself: name, country, language, place of residence, hobby. Also practice spelling a word and saying a number.
- Day3Part 2 – ask questions
Practice forming a simple question with a keyword and answering the others’ questions.
- Day4Part 3 – make requests
Practice polite requests (“Können Sie bitte …?”) and responding to a request.
- Day5Vocabulary & numbers
Review simple vocabulary and practice numbers, prices and spelling.
- Day6Practice the full oral exam
Run through all three parts with someone – introduce yourself, ask questions, request.
- Day7Get feedback
Have your speaking assessed – by a teacher or via a Prepliq mock that scores speaking automatically.
Are you ready?
- I can introduce myself (name, country, language, place of residence, hobby).
- I can spell a word and say a number.
- I can form a simple question with a keyword.
- I can answer simple questions.
- I can politely request something and respond to a request.
- I stay in the conversation even when a word escapes me.
Frequently asked questions
How is the Goethe A1 oral exam structured?
It has three parts: Part 1 (introduce yourself), Part 2 (ask for and give information) and Part 3 (make requests and respond to them). It lasts around 15 minutes, usually in a small group.
Do I take the oral exam alone or in a group?
Usually in a small group with other participants. You speak with the others and with the examiner.
What do I have to say in Part 1?
You introduce yourself: name, country, language, place of residence, age, occupation or hobby. Often you also have to spell a word and say a number (e.g. a phone number).
How is the oral exam assessed?
Above all on whether you’re understood, whether you fulfill the task and respond to the others. Perfect grammar is not expected at A1.
Which topics come up in the oral exam?
Simple everyday topics like person and family, shopping, time or home. In Parts 2 and 3, keywords and picture cards help you.
What’s the best way to practice the oral exam?
Practice introducing yourself, simple questions and polite requests – best aloud and with a partner. At Prepliq you practice speaking with a mock that scores your answers automatically – the PDF answer key doesn’t cover speaking.